Shirt
Date1700-1750
OriginEngland
MediumLinen, Binche Lace
DimensionsCenter Front: 11.5 inches
Center Back: 12 inches
Sleeve Length: 5 inches
Sleeve Width (Pleated): 1 3/4 inches
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2022-64,4
DescriptionAn very small infant shirt split down the center front trimmed with fine Binche edging lace around the neck and sleeves. The wristbands close with sleeve buttons. Each of the sleeves have been heavily starched and pleated along with the sides of the body of the shirt. The shirt was further embellished with goffered zig zag patterns pressed into the wristbands.Label TextChildren wore shirts simialr to what adults wore, however they were split down the center front. This made them easier to dress and change squirming infants. Tiny sleeve buttons or cufflinks closed the shirt at the wrist. Embossed starched pleats on the sleeve and wristbands remarkabley survive on this shirt, still intact from the last time they were pressed in over 250 years ago.
ProvenanceA collection of 28 pieces of infant clothing (all 2022-64 accession numbers) descended through various branches of the Medlycott family of Ven House in Somerset, England. The baronetcy was created in 1808 and became extinct in 2021 with the death of Sir Mervyn Tregonwell Medilycott, the 9th Baron of Medlycott. Sadly these garments do not have association with specific members of the family, but were all found stored in The Manor House, Sandford Orcas, in Dorset, England, the home of Sir Mervyn Tregonwell Medilycott, the 9th Baron of Medlycott.
